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108604 10/08 12-17
Air cleaner servicing is an inexpensive maintenance check that can prevent costly non-warrantable
premature engine damage.
OVERSERVICING
Overservicing occurs when an air filter element is removed for cleaning or replacement before it is
necessary. Each time the filter is removed a small amount of dirt and dust could fall in the intake system.
This accumulated dirt can cause a dusted engine. It only takes a few grams of ingested dirt over the
normal service life of an engine to cause a dusted engine.
Do not clean element, replace with a new element only. Cleaning used air filter elements, through
improper cleaning procedures, can get dust on the inside of the filter causing dirt ingestion and engine
failure.
It is important to note that whenever an air filter element is cleaned by any method, the person or
company performing the cleaning assumes responsibility for the integrity of the filter from then on. The
Donaldson warranty for air filters expires upon cleaning or servicing in any manner because the
condition of the filter after servicing is completely out of their control. Therefore, on a dust
ingested engine failure, there will be no warranty consideration if the air filter element has been
cleaned or serviced in any manner.
A partially dirty air filter element works better than a new element. Therefore, a dirty filter element is not
bad for the engine unless it is excessively restricting the air flow and engine performance is affected. The
reason is simple. The media in the filter must be porous to allow air to pass through it. When dirty air
passes through the filter, the dirt plugs some of the holes in the media and actually acts as part of the filter
media. When the next round of dirt enters, the first dirt helps filter out even smaller particles making the
filter more efficient at stopping dirt from entering the engine. This is referred to as barrier filtration.
Of course, at some point the filter media becomes too clogged to allow air to pass.
The mowing conditions will determine the frequency of air filter element changing.
IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF AN AIR FILTER ELEMENT
Dust must not leak past the seals on each end of the air filter element. The filter must be aligned within the
canister and properly seated for an effective seal so that no dirt can enter the engine.
DAMAGED FILTER, SEALS OR CANISTER
Never bang or bump the filter element against the tire or any solid object, as dust and dirt particles will be
forced through the media causing continual passing of dirt into the engine. Visually inspect the outside of
the air cleaner canister periodically for external damage and replace if necessary.
INCORRECT AIR CLEANER ELEMENT
Use only the correct Donaldson air filter element, Hustler part number 785261, which is designed to fit the
canister properly.
Hustler air filter elements have the correct media composition, filter area, micron size and dimensions.
Always use genuine Hustler filters. Many aftermarket filters have been found to be incompatible with
Hustler’s canisters and engines.
The air filter must remain intact to block passage of dirt and foreign particles from entering the engine.
Being inclined to disbelieve the need for more expensive air filter elements used on gasoline engines may
cause some individuals to opt for a less expensive part.
The filter element must be sufficient size and construction to withstand stresses, caused by rapid cycling of
the air volume demanded by the engine, without cracking or tearing under fatigue and pressure (especially
diesel engines). Therefore, Hustler Turf Equipment and the engine manufacturers have carefully selected
a reliable filter designed to fit the needs of the engines. The filter specified is a Donaldson filter, Hustler
part number 785261.